Kathmandu. Pokhara International Airport is set to operate flights to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The news of regular flights starting from September 23 has excited the tourism entrepreneurs. Regular international flights have been ensured after three years of its operation.

Dubai-based airline Flydubai has opened ticket bookings for daily flights from that date. For the first time, regular international flights are to be operated from Pokhara International Airport.

Pokhara is rich in natural beauty, adventurous tourism and cultural heritage. Now, with the expansion of international air access, new possibilities have opened up for tourism promotion in this area. Earlier, only charter flights to China and Bhutan and emergency medical flights to India were being operated from the airport.

Dhanraj Acharya, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, said that Dubai flight would be a significant achievement in expanding Pokhara’s international identity.

He said that it was not just the issue of adding air service but also the opportunity to promote tourism, attract investment and decentralize Kathmandu-centric air pressure. Hotel Association of Nepal central member Bharat Parajuli recalled that the discussion held with UAE Ambassador on the issue of tourism exchange and operation of direct flights from Pokhara to UAE was positive and result-oriented.

“Regular flights to UAE will contribute to expansion of tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people relations,” he said. Pom Narayan Shrestha, immediate past chairman of Pokhara Tourism Council, said that the Dubai flight would give new energy to the tourism industry of Pokhara.

Women Tourism Entrepreneurs’ Forum (OTEF) President Mamata Neupane said that the launch of regular flights between Pokhara and Dubai has created an opportunity to connect Pokhara’s tourism sector directly to the international market.

Youths, students going abroad for higher education and other passengers of Gandaki Province and surrounding districts are expected to be directly benefited with the operation of daily flights.

The Pokhara International Airport inaugurated on January 1, 2023 is expected to become the second major international air gateway to Pokhara with the start of regular international commercial flights.

Passengers can book their tickets through the company’s official website or through accredited travel agencies.